Outdoor exercise is "green exercise" and it improves mental health. A study in the journal Environmental Science & Technology examined data from 1,252 people of different ages and mental health status - data taken from 10 previous British studies. This study also analyzed green exercises like walking, cycling, gardening and fishing. Although the biggest mental health changes occurred in the young and the mentally ill, everyone benefited. The most positive effect on self-esteem came from 5 minutes of green exercise, but exercising in green areas near water was the most beneficial - giving new meaning to "water power".
Food also affects mood. According to nutritional experts, produce like asparagus, broccoli and spinach are rich in the vitamin folate, which relieves depression. Mackerel and salmon, high in omega-3 fats, relieve both depression and anxiety. Skinless breast of chicken and turkey, sirloin and flank steak, as well as fish are proteins high in dopamine and norepinephrine, brain chemicals that increase alertness, energy and concentration. Finally, carbohydrates like high-fiber whole grains, beans, corn and potato are excellent sources of serotonin, the feel-good chemical that produces a positive outlook. Eating foods that improve our mood is a "natural high".
However, eating too much salt causes high blood pressure and increased risk of heart attack and stroke. In 2010 the average American ate almost 50% more salt than recommended. Approximately 6% came from salt shakers, but more than 75% came from packaged foods. Because the increased levels of sodium in packaged foods over the previous few decades caused a "cultural addiction" to salt, the Food and Drug Administration wants manufacturers to gradually reduce sodium in their products, allowing consumers to develop a heightened sensitivity to salt and thus require less. It seems even food should be taken - with a grain of salt.
Dreams, however, should be taken as a source of practical advice. Dreams come from intuitive, feeling-based, visual thinking that occurs when we're asleep. Although symbols and events can mean different things to different people, some dreams have common meanings. According to dream experts, not being prepared for an exam represents anxiety about being judged or uncertainty about how to handle a situation. Dreams about being naked in public represent feelings of social inadequacy and nightmares confront us with what we fear the most. Supposedly, dreams will respond to questions we ask before going to sleep - allowing us to "dream up" answers.
Food also affects mood. According to nutritional experts, produce like asparagus, broccoli and spinach are rich in the vitamin folate, which relieves depression. Mackerel and salmon, high in omega-3 fats, relieve both depression and anxiety. Skinless breast of chicken and turkey, sirloin and flank steak, as well as fish are proteins high in dopamine and norepinephrine, brain chemicals that increase alertness, energy and concentration. Finally, carbohydrates like high-fiber whole grains, beans, corn and potato are excellent sources of serotonin, the feel-good chemical that produces a positive outlook. Eating foods that improve our mood is a "natural high".
However, eating too much salt causes high blood pressure and increased risk of heart attack and stroke. In 2010 the average American ate almost 50% more salt than recommended. Approximately 6% came from salt shakers, but more than 75% came from packaged foods. Because the increased levels of sodium in packaged foods over the previous few decades caused a "cultural addiction" to salt, the Food and Drug Administration wants manufacturers to gradually reduce sodium in their products, allowing consumers to develop a heightened sensitivity to salt and thus require less. It seems even food should be taken - with a grain of salt.
Dreams, however, should be taken as a source of practical advice. Dreams come from intuitive, feeling-based, visual thinking that occurs when we're asleep. Although symbols and events can mean different things to different people, some dreams have common meanings. According to dream experts, not being prepared for an exam represents anxiety about being judged or uncertainty about how to handle a situation. Dreams about being naked in public represent feelings of social inadequacy and nightmares confront us with what we fear the most. Supposedly, dreams will respond to questions we ask before going to sleep - allowing us to "dream up" answers.
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